"Is this a forest?" Felix asked.When the swirling lights around him finally faded, Felix had no idea how much time had passed. His body felt fine, but the moment he looked around, his expression changed.Towering trees surrounded him, with only the faintest shafts of sunlight filtering through the dense canopy. The trees were massive. By his estimate, they stood at least 600 feet high. There was no way trees like this existed on Earth.It wasn't just one or two of them. It was an endless forest, stretching as far as the eye could see. It was a literal sea of trees.Suddenly, Felix's right hand shot out and caught a small snake that had lunged at him. It wasn't only about the width of his thumb. However, it had a sharp triangular head and a green body. It hissed viciously at Felix. Even with its body restrained, it didn't back down at all."This thing's different," Felix remarked.He gave it a light squeeze, and his eyes widened. The snake's scales were hard like steel. It felt l
"A-Are you a martial artist?"The sudden voice made Felix turn around. It was the young man from earlier. He had returned, looking a little timid. Only now did Felix notice he was carrying a woven basket on his back."Yes." Felix nodded. Since the guy could even recognize what a martial artist was, it meant he wasn't clueless.A flash of admiration appeared in the young man's eyes. "No wonder you were able to take down that long-armed ape. Thank you, really."Felix wondered if that was all the gratitude he would receive. The young man looked like he was about to turn around and leave."Hey, could you help me get out of here? Honestly, I don't even know how I got in. When I woke up, it was like I had amnesia. I only remember my name and a few blurry things."The young man smiled warmly. "Of course! Good thing you said something—if night falls and you're still in Desolated Lands, you'd be as good as dead."Felix inhaled sharply, figuring that he couldn't avoid doing good deeds, af
If Nine Flames on Aquamarinus were the only thing keeping Desolated Lands from spreading, then wouldn't taking them mean total destruction for the planet?How many people would die if Felix really went through with that?However, if he didn't do it, he'd fail the elimination round. He wouldn't advance further and would lose all chance of winning. Once that happened, the second wave from the Orion family would arrive, and Earth would be the next to fall. That was guaranteed.For a moment, Felix's thoughts were a complete mess. Was this what Donna meant when she said that once one entered the Rank-Ascending Competition, one had to let go of everything and think only of yourself?"Felix, are you okay?" Lincoln asked.They'd gotten a little familiar along the way, so when Lincoln saw Felix stop in his tracks with a dark expression, he hesitated but still spoke up.Felix's train of thought was broken. He let out a bitter laugh. "It's nothing. Just remembered something. Let's keep goin
Leandre just took a few puffs of his pipe. "He can stay the night at your house. That's final."With that, he walked away.His tone was firm and unquestionable. With Leandre—the chief—showing his authority, Lincoln didn't dare protest any further. He could only give Felix an apologetic look."Sorry, Felix. I didn't know Leandre was so wary of outsiders."Felix chuckled. "It's fine. I'm just grateful he let me stay the night."Innswood Village was visibly poor. There was not a single brick house in sight. Everything was made of straw and wood, barely holding together.The village was small. According to Lincoln, only about 300 people lived there.On the way in, Felix had also learned that Lincoln's father was still alive, but he'd broken both his legs a year ago while out foraging. Since then, he'd been bedridden, and all the responsibility of supporting the family had fallen on Lincoln's shoulders. Honestly, Lincoln was as filial as they came."You must be Felix. Thank you for
Lincoln's jaw practically hit the floor as he stared at Felix in disbelief. "Felix, are you really a doctor?"Felix gave a sheepish smile, his expression just as confused."Yeah… I just remembered it a moment ago. No wonder I had flashes of those silver needles. Maybe it's because you talked about all this. It helped jog my memory. Thank you, Lincoln."Lincoln grew excited. "Then, Felix, can you heal my father's legs? He's been dreaming of walking again…"People from small villages had no idea what it took to treat legs that hadn't moved for a whole year. However, it actually worked out perfectly for Felix.What he needed right now was a safe place, away from danger, where he could think through the whole situation with Nine Flames. Everything else was secondary.Putting on a hesitant expression, Felix sighed. "I can try, but I don't have any silver needles with me."When the Starmark transported him, everything that wasn't part of his body or soul had been left behind on Earth.
With a thump, Lincoln dropped to his knees and began thanking Felix, tears in his eyes. Every motion came from the heart."Get up, come on," Felix said, helping him back to his feet. "We met because of fate. Besides, if you hadn't led me out of that forest, I'd probably be dead by now."As Lincoln was lifted up, Mateo was already getting excited. "Hurry! Help me outside. I want to see what it looks like out there!"Out on the village path, two older women were walking side by side, gossiping and chuckling softly."Right? That guy got chewed out by Kimberly so badly that he couldn't get out of bed for three days. Serves him right!"Just as they were laughing, they caught sight of Mateo standing at the gate. They greeted him cheerfully, "Mateo!"He smiled back warmly. "Not asleep yet?"But before they could respond, both women froze mid-step. Their eyes widened as they stared in disbelief. Mateo was standing upright on his own. Lincoln stood a full yard away, not even close enough
"Do you remember anything at all?" Leandre asked as he walked over. Behind the Waverlys' house, Felix sensed Leandre's approach, but he didn't show it. He quickly pretended to be startled. "Oh! It's you, Mr. Campbell."Leandre smiled and took out a smoking pipe. "I used to look out in the village like this every night when I was young."Felix turned back and sighed. "Although I haven't exactly experienced it, I keep feeling that there's something terrifying in the darkness…"Leandre nodded. "That's for sure. Otherwise, how could so many people have died? Even the powerful fighters never return once they leave for Desolated Lands at night."Felix had a feeling that Leandre might be hinting at something else, but he pretended not to notice and turned to look at the fire in the east. "Thank goodness, the flame is there to protect us! Otherwise, I'm afraid there'll be no one left alive here."Turning to the flames, mixed emotions reflected in Leandre's eyes. "Yeah, Nine Flames are t
"Dr. Zeller, my father picked some mushrooms and cooked them for you!" a pretty girl announced as she walked into the clinic. Felix instantly smiled and thanked her, "Thank you, Quinley!"On the other hand, Lincoln blushed as soon as Quinley Salvatore walked in. Their feelings for one another weren't a secret at all. However, Quinley's family disapproved of him, as he had been incompetent with a disabled father before.But now, with Lincoln learning medical skills from Felix, of course, her family had a different opinion now."Lincoln, help me send Quinley off."While eating, Felix wondered whether he should leave or not. He hadn't seen anyone else outside of the village for a whole month now. Leandre seemed quite knowledgeable, but he was also wary of Felix. So, it was almost impossible to get information from him.When the sun was about to set, Lincoln suddenly ran in. "Mr. Zeller! Six fighters came into the village, and one of them was seriously injured!" he exclaimed anxio
It would be a lie to say that Lachlan wasn't surprised when he saw Felix. As an Orion, of course, he was aware of the entire situation.Felix was sent to Aquamarinus, a planet that was known for its deadliness.Even a genius would most likely die there. However, Felix succeeded in breaking through. Although his strength had been confirmed indirectly, Lachlan didn't take it seriously. He even told his family that there was no need to cheat.As long as he was there, Felix wouldn't be able to pass his level. Felix sneered, but didn't respond. They just met, and they were already mortal enemies. If they had a chance, they would've killed one another. So why should they even attempt to be civil?"Julius, nothing has happened yet, and you're already kissing his ass?" Lachlan laughed mockingly. Felix stayed silent, so Lachlan couldn't be bothered to mock him. Instead, Lachlan turned to Julius, who smiled."I don't need to report everything I do to you, Lachlan. Just worry about yours
This was something Felix hadn't thought of. The Orions had been too arrogant and thought their people could kill him, but they didn't anticipate the special conditions on Aquamarinus at night. If it wasn't due to that, Felix wasn't sure if he would still be alive now."Why are you telling me this?" Felix asked.Julius looked at him oddly. "My family, the Leachs, are on par with the Orions and developing fast. We don't want any conflicts with you or Earth, so tell me, why wouldn't I make friends with a strong man like you?"Since you can break out of Aquamarinus, you have the qualifications to win. At least for now, the champions of the elimination rounds in the Rank-Ascending Competition are extraordinary people."He continued, "I'm just offering help now. Once you succeed in the future, you can help me, right? I have nothing to lose, so why not try?"Felix understood his reasons. In this case, he was completely alone, and making acquaintances with the Leachs was good."How hard
As soon as Julius entered, Felix turned on the soundproof barrier and asked impatiently, "How do you know I'm from Earth?"Everyone here was a stranger, and the distance between each of their hometowns was over hundreds of thousands of miles. How could Julius tell where Felix was from so accurately?Julius looked a little helpless. "Your name is Felix, and your elimination match was on Aquamarinus. Of course, I know you're from Earth."Well, that was quite the redundant answer."No, listen to what I have to say."After motioning for Felix to sit down, Julius continued, "In the Rank-Ascending Competition, some people in power can actually cheat within the rules. Have you heard of the Orion family?"Before Felix could answer, Julius had already guessed the answer based on his gaze. "Heh, seems like Earth isn't as barbaric as everyone thought. Since you're familiar with the Orion family, it will make things easier for me."Well, you got the right information. The Orion family is th
The guide said, "This is where the selected contestants rest. The yard is huge and has everything you need. As long as you don't leave this yard, you're free to move around. I'll bring you to your room now."The yard looked huge, with fixtures of bridges and flowing rivers. Felix even passed by a fake mountain. It was large enough for hundreds of people to climb, standing thousands of feet tall and looked quite majestically.No one on Earth or Aquamarinus could have built such a luxurious residence. Felix could even see a bar and massage parlor, showing how indispensable technology was in the universe. His room was luxurious, around 2000 square feet, and was decorated with traditional but modern touches. "This is your room. I'll take my leave now, goodbye." The young man left with a bow. Felix turned around and stood on the patio. Outside his room was a large lake, with even fish swimming inside."A new neighbor? Did you just arrive today?" The sudden voice came from the patio
Felix arrived at the location of one of Nine Flames, where the guards instantly collapsed, their eyes rolling back as they fainted.By now, darkness had arrived. He walked forward without any hesitation, his right hand touching the flame.There was no need for any special tools. The flame simply vanished, and only Felix knew that it was absorbed in an instant by his Starmark.With the disappearance of the flames, people in many places immediately dropped to their knees.The light that should have lasted throughout the night vanished, and the darkness of Desolated Lands descended almost instantly. Every light went out in an instant.Screams echoed everywhere, and panic spread like wildfire. Even though their loved ones were close by, they couldn't see them with their eyes and could only communicate through voice.Scenes like this were unfolding in many places, even in Cloud City."It's really started," Eira said. She was in Cloud City. Although Luigi was standing on her left, h
Despite Thiago's murderous glare and overwhelming killing intent, Felix wasn't scared. In fact, it made him smile.Due to the unique trait of the Dragon Rebirth, his opponent had to harbor a true desire to kill him in order for Felix to grow stronger. Otherwise, it would all be meaningless. At least so far, everything was unfolding just as he expected.Meanwhile, Holt was silently praying like crazy as he lay on the ground. The battle had already begun, and his companion had understood his message. This was their only shot, however slim, at killing Felix.As time passed and the afternoon crept past 3:00 pm, his companion started to falter. His attacks were growing sluggish. He hadn't been injured, but he was clearly on the defensive now.Seeing this, Felix completely lost interest. Once his opponent lost the will to kill him, the Dragon Rebirth would no longer grow.Still, the battle wasn't for nothing. He'd made solid progress and was a little closer to becoming a Celestial Realm
Felix had clearly found Holt's weak spot. These guys were so desperate to extend their lives that they turned the entire Aquamarinus into a breeding ground. Obviously, they were terrified of death. As long as there was even the slightest chance of survival, they'd take it.And sure enough, Holt immediately agreed. He pulled out some kind of device and flew off, clearly contacting his comrades."But even if I agreed," Holt said, "the three of us split up and searched in different directions. Even if they rush over, they won't make it until tomorrow."The fear in his eyes was obvious, so much so that Felix couldn't help but laugh."How interesting," Felix said. "You made a deal with the Ant Queen, right? Couldn't she at least give you something to help you move freely through Desolated Lands at night?"Holt shot him a bitter smile. "The Ant Queen's children—the soldier ants—are born hunters. That instinct can't be erased. And honestly, we've never needed to go out at night anyway."
Lumen flew out and quickly returned. Felix's expression eased completely, and with a step, he vanished from where he stood."Chasing me was fun last time, huh? Did you think it'd go the same this time?" he asked.When he reappeared, someone was already lying on the ground about ten yards ahead. It was a figure fully shrouded in a gray robe, a man named Holt Bovington.That was Felix holding back. Otherwise, Lumen's previous strike could've shattered Holt's soul on the spot."Felix Zeller? It really is you!" Holt's voice was full of shock. Whatever he'd planned to do was already too late. His soul had taken a devastating blow, and he no longer had the strength to fight."Yeah, it's me. Just like I suspected, you people really aren't all that strong when it comes to soul power."Felix had spared his life because he wanted answers."If you answer a few questions honestly, I'll let you live. Even with your soul badly damaged, I assume someone who knows about Nine Flames and Desolate
Three months later, deep within a mountain on Aquamarinus, a meeting was taking place. Who would've imagined palace-like structures hidden within the mountain itself?In one of the chambers, a sky-blue dome adorned the ceiling. Beneath it, three figures in gray robes sat cross-legged, their bodies cloaked in shadow. Their faces were completely obscured."I went to see the Ant Queen yesterday. There's definitely something wrong.""Enough with the vague talk. Be specific.""In just three months, the Ant Queen has lost millions of her children. Do you even understand what that means?"The atmosphere shifted as all three took a sharp breath. A long silence followed before one finally spoke, "Perhaps our earlier theory is right. Is someone hunting soldier ants in Desolated Lands at night?""It has to be. How else do you explain millions of casualties? At this rate, we're down to just a million soldier ants across the entire planet. If this keeps up, they'll be wiped out in a month. An